Warren Buffett Reflects on Early Sale of Apple Stock as a Misstep
In a recent interview, Warren Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, candidly admitted that his decision to sell a portion of Apple Inc. stock earlier than planned was a misstep. Despite this, Apple continues to be the largest single investment in Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio.
Over the past few months, Buffett has been gradually reducing Berkshire Hathaway’s holdings in Apple. In February 2026, the company sold 4% of its Apple shares, yet the tech giant remains a cornerstone of Berkshire’s investments. Reflecting on this, Buffett stated, I sold it too soon, but I bought it even sooner, so yeah, I think we’ve made over $100 billion in that pre-tax. This underscores his belief that, despite the premature sale, the investment has been extraordinarily profitable.
Buffett’s confidence in Apple’s business model and leadership remains unwavering. He praised CEO Tim Cook, describing him as a fantastic manager and a good guy who maintains positive relationships globally. Buffett also highlighted the iPhone’s significance, noting its unparalleled utility. He remarked, Just think of something that is as useful as the iPhone is.
While acknowledging Steve Jobs’ foundational role in creating Apple, Buffett commended Cook for effectively managing and expanding the company post-Jobs. However, he indicated that Berkshire Hathaway does not plan to purchase more Apple stock at current market prices, stating, We would buy a lot of it, but not in this market. This suggests a cautious approach amid uncertain market conditions, particularly concerning technology stocks.
Buffett’s reflections offer valuable insights into investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of timing and market conditions. His continued confidence in Apple underscores the company’s robust business model and effective leadership.